Heather ran from her home and called police, who found the tools of a serial killer in his car: a machete, axes, knives, a shovel, sledgehammer, bleach, plastic bags, bulletproof vests, and four sets of handcuffs.

Police also found a list of 10 other women, all of whom are still living, in Falls’ possession.

Tracing his past, Falls may be linked to the disappearance and presumed murders of at least nine women in Ohio, Illinois and Nevada, police said. All the missing women were escorts and most of them advertised online.

“It’s likely that Mr. Falls is a serial killer,” said Steve Cooper, Charleston Police Department Chief of Detectives. “I believe (Heather) saved lives by shooting Mr. Falls, based on what he did to her and based on the items found in his car.”

Heather was not charged in connection with the shooting.

Police said Falls, 45, was from Oregon and had Oregon license plates on his car.